
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad, CA from $500 (152 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Carlsbad.


Casa Aldea at Carlsbad

664 Seaward Ave

Elan Park Place Carlsbad

Elan Beachpointe Carlsbad

The Avenue at Carlsbad

The Bluffs at Carlsbad

3266 Eureka Pl

2407 Sonora Ct

2407 Sonora Ct
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

The Hideaway

Ridgeview

Villas at Carlsbad

Elan Tamarack Shores

Elan Coast Village

Pacific Wind

Tavarua Senior Apartments

Villa Loma Apartments

Sunny Creek Apartments

Hunters Pointe
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Jefferson House II Senior Apartments

Poinsettia Station Apartments

Cassia Heights

Pacific Pines

The Village Apartment Homes

Lime Grove Apartments

Jefferson House I Senior Community

Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments

Carlsbad Sunset Senior Apartments

475 Chestnut Ave
San Diego's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about San Diego and the best places to live with original content written by our , Local Expert Hayden Goldberg

The Arbors of Carlsbad

Portola Senior Apartments

Jefferson Gardens

The Breeze Apartments

Breakwater Townhomes

941-947 Oak Ave

Merrywood Apartments

Sea Breeze

La Costa Seashore

391 Oak Ave
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Cottage Row Carlsbad

2360 Hosp Way

Carlsbad Cabana

Adams Street Apartments

Portion Of The Grove Apartments

Casa Del Camino

3463 Caminito Sierra

1660 N Coast Hwy 101

Grandon Village

Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
Carlsbad, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Carlsbad?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Carlsbad Studio Apartments | $2,086 | $1,395 | $5,328 |
| Cheap Carlsbad 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,848 | $1,557 | $6,494 |
| Cheap Carlsbad 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,309 | $1,847 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Carlsbad 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,408 | $2,850 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Carlsbad 4 Bedroom Apartments | $13,550 | $6,600 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Carlsbad
See all Apartments in CarlsbadExplore Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA Local Guide

- Carlsbad Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Available Carlsbad Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Carlsbad, CA is a Studio unit found at Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the Encinitas neighborhood priced from $1,649. Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the Encinitas neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,799. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Carlsbad apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Studio - S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,649 |
| Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Studio - Deluxe | Studio,1BA | $1,799 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Village | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,860 |
| Sunset Springs Apartments | Standard One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
| Softwind Point | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,954 |
| Ocean Hills Apartments | 1 bedroom 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
| Elan Park Place Carlsbad | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| Ascot Village | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,013 |
| Silver Oak Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad, CA
As of July 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Carlsbad area is the $2.09 price per square foot 2x2.5LW-2798 Model at BluWater Crossing in the in the Carlsbad neighborhood starting from $5,850. The second greatest value Carlsbad apartment is the The Venice Model at Piazza D'Oro starting at $3,509 with a $2.24 price per square foot in the Mira Costa neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Carlsbad apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BluWater Crossing | 2x2.5LW-2798 | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.09 |
| Piazza D'Oro | The Venice | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.24 |
| Sabrina Greens Apartment | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.46 |
| Elan Pacifico Encinitas | 2x2L | 2BR,2BA | $2.65 |
| Elan Shadowridge Meadows | 3 Bed 2 Bath | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| 2160 Via Robles, Unit 2160 | 2160 Via Robles | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.55 |
| Briarcrest Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 Bath Model | 2BR,1BA | $2.00 |
| Stoneybrook Apartments | 2 Bed /1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| Sunterra | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.70 |
| 555 Greenbrier Dr, Unit 30 | 555 Greenbrier Dr | 1BR,1BA | $2.62 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Student Renter's Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood to Rent
Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in San Diego, CA | Find San Diego Off-Campus Student Housing
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Carlsbad Overview
Located about 80 miles south of Los Angeles and just a mere 30 or so miles from the hub of San Diego, Carlsbad is a thriving locale in the great state of California with much to offer. Known as 'The Village by the Sea' among locals, this luxurious destination is a prime slice of tourism-based West Coast gold, offering stunning ocean views and more than its fair share of pampering amenities.
Why live in Carlsbad, CA?
One of the most upscale cities in all of Calfiornia, a rental in Carlsbad is a sure sign you are on the path to success. From stunning water views to impressive schools, nearby theme park excitement to a plethora of world-class restaurant options, this prime slice of sunny west coast real estate is about as ideal as it gets when you talk about Cali living.
Carlsbad, CAPopulation: 115,877
Ranked #250
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Carlsbad, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Carlsbad, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Carlsbad, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Carlsbad Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Carlsbad?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Carlsbad is at Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments listed at $1,649.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment is $1,860 at Rancho Santa Fe Village.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Carlsbad is starting from $2,150 at Sunset Springs Apartments.
What is the most affordable Carlsbad Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Carlsbad Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Elan Shadowridge Meadows and starts from $3,195.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.

Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.

Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.